Playing a higher seed and away from their home field, the Cougars were underdogs. However, the visitors seemed destined to win in the fourth quarter. They led 34-27 until Bishop O’Dowd tied the score with 2:04 left.

Rancho received the ensuing kickoff but couldn’t get a first down. Following a short punt, the Dragons completed a pass to get in range for Miller’s game-winning kick.

“That was it, put a cap on it,” Conroy said after the game, when asked if he’d reconsidered his intention to retire.

“This was a heartbreaker to lose, but that’s the way it goes.”

It was a back-and-forth game all the way. Bishop O’Dowd jumped out to a 13-0 lead. However, by halftime Rancho had rallied to make it 20-20.

It was 27-27 heading to the fourth quarter.

Quarterback Jake Simmons ran for three touchdowns and passed for another. Two of his scores were inside the 5-yard line and his passing TD to Mason Heinse covered 20 yards.